Janice Ruth Currier Blais
Janice Ruth Currier Blais was born on October 18, 1945, and died on September 27, 2024.
Jan, as everyone knew her, lived her life to the fullest and spread joy and laughter to everyone she met. She was talented, quick-witted, and big-hearted. Her love of family was deep and rich in good times and in challenging times. She loved big, she played big, and she didn’t beat around the bush. She was an extraordinary example of living in the moment and not worrying about what other people think. One of her loved ones remarked, “This is the passing of a legend.” Jan was a legendary self-made master of many things, including the arts. She studied dance growing up and dazzled onlookers at every party and wedding she attended throughout her life. She was always the life of the party. She was incredibly gifted at drawing, and she pretty much invented the now trendy sewing craft of upcycling, making something new from something old. She learned the art of sewing at a very young age from her cherished grandmother, Helene. Her skills in the culinary arts carried the most longevity throughout her life. Jan’s baked goods were unmatched, and she found such great joy sharing her treats with her friends, family, and neighbors. She always said that her dream job would have been to open a bakery.
Also legendary was Jan’s incredible gift to make friends everywhere she went. She found her home in friendships with people she had known since elementary school, new friendships she made along her way, and friendships with people around the globe through her favorite pastime: Words with Friends, a game she hit #1 on in the globe. (She was as smart as she was funny.) Jan extended an invitation to have a chat with anyone whose path she crossed, and they always left the conversation laughing—she made sure of it. She always wanted everyone to be happy.
Jan’s four daughters were her pride and joy: Cary-Lynn, Jennifer, Erica, and Heidi. She adored each and every one of them, always sharing stories about how great they were. She had a special and unique relationship with each of them, tailored to suit each daughter. But she taught all of them to follow their own heart, be exactly who they wanted to be, and stand up for the good and right. She tested and approved each of her daughter’s husbands: Gene, Jeremy, Matt, and Danny, growing to love them as her own and trusting them with her daughter’s lives (and threatening theirs if they failed). Like her daughters, she shared a unique and special relationship with each of her sons-in-law. They were all dear to her. Jan absolutely adored her grandchildren: Joshua, Natacia, Duffy, and Anthony, along with her bonus grandchildren: Ross, Ruthy, Margaret, Danielle, Hailey, Alyssa, Max, and Zoe, and was so proud of their accomplishments. Her joy grew immensely with each new birth of her great grandbabies: Rhyker, Wes, and Rohen. Jan loved that she came from a big family of fifteen and reveled in watching her own family grow.
There are many more stories that would depict Jan’s vibrant personality, her true love of life and her hard-earned wisdom. But what might say it all is: to know her was to love her.
She will be deeply missed by so many and remembered forever by even more.
Jan leaves behind her four daughters: Cary-Lynn Currier Joy and Jeremy Joy; Jennifer and Gene Webster; Erica-Jean and Matthew Bogumill; Heidi Vasconez and Danny Rodello. Her four grandchildren: Joshua Brown, Natacia Grube, Duffy Webster, and Anthony Vasconez. Her three great-grandchildren: Rhyker Grube, Wes Brown, and Rohen Grube. She will be missed by her brothers: Allen Currier, Robert Currier, Brian Currier, Michael Currier, and Loren Currier. She will be greeted in heaven by her parents: Marguerite and Lance Currier; and her siblings: Pamela, Paul and Paula, Nancy Percy, Gerald Currier, Timothy Currier, Thomas Currier, Bruce Currier, and Donald Currier.
May we pass love and joy to everyone we meet, in remembrance of the legendary, Janice Blais.
A farewell ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Eastside Restaurant banquet room, 47 Landing Street, Newport, Vermont 05855. A light lunch and celebration of life will follow until 2 p.m.
Ronald Griffin Cloutier
Ronald Griffin Cloutier, aged 88, of Barton, died peacefully on September 29, 2024. He was born on July 12, 1936, to Raoul and Charlotte (Griffin) Cloutier. He was the third of nine children.
Ronald was a lifelong resident of Barton who attended St. Paul’s School and Barton Academy & Graded School. He graduated from Barton Academy in 1955.
Ronald enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1959 and served for two years. While in the Army, he was sent overseas to Korea where his job was to drive supply trucks. He was proud of the fact that not everyone was able to drive the military supply trucks. His years working with his father in the woods and doing various jobs prepared him well for the task. Ronald was honorably discharged in 1961 and returned to Barton where he met his future wife, Colleen Kilby.
Colleen and Ronald were married on June 12, 1965. Three years later, a son, Michael, was born, followed by a daughter, Marsha, two years later. Ronald and Colleen were married for almost 52 years when Colleen died from pancreatic cancer. They enjoyed retirement and went on many trips with the Community National Bank Community Circle Club. They also bought a camper and enjoyed many summers camping in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Ronald was a very involved father, teaching his kids how to be self-sufficient. He taught them how to hunt and fish, and how to drive. One was much easier to teach than the other. He also taught them how to do house repairs and maintenance. Ronald was involved in his kids sports and school activities. There were not many basketball games that he missed and often took his parents with him to attend away games.
In high school, Ronald was active in sports himself and played basketball and baseball. He was proud to be inducted into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame for being on the varsity basketball team that went to the state finals his senior year. His favorite teams were the Boston Celtics and the Boston Red Sox.
Ronald worked a few different jobs, starting in high school. He spent 32 years at E.M. Brown & Son, working outside delivering grain and building supplies and inside repairing windows and screens, mixing paint, and waiting on customers before he retired in 1998. He would often take his children with him on deliveries. These were fun trips for the kids and gave them memories that most children would never have with their fathers.
Ronald also was active in his local Catholic church: St. Paul’s Church in Barton. He was a Eucharistic minister for many years during the 1980s and 1990s.
Ronald is survived by his children: Marsha Cloutier and Michael Cloutier, his granddaughter Allie Cloutier and step-grandsons Christopher and Geromy Wells. He is also survived by several step-great-grandchildren. He leaves behind brothers: Victor and wife, Carol; Gerald; Aime and wife, Linda; Carl and wife, Nancy; and sisters: Rosemary and Jeannine. He also leaves behind his wife’s siblings: Reid and Regina Kilby, Dale Kilby, and Carla Ticehurst. There are many nieces and nephews whom he cared for greatly.
He was predeceased by his wife, Colleen, his parents, Raoul and Charlotte; brothers Andre and Rene; and in-laws Sharon Cloutier, Roy Kelley, Paul Badeau, and Maryanne Cloutier.
Calling hours will be held October 11, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch Funeral Home in Barton. The funeral will be held on October 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Barton with burial to follow afterwards at the Newport Center Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Orleans.
Those wishing to donate in his memory may choose the charity of their choice. Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Roland Marcel Prairie
Roland Marcel Prairie, 75, of Newport, died on Monday October 1, 2024, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, New Hampshire. He was born in Saint Albans on August 29, 1949, the son of Leon and Ghislaine (Pelican) Prairie.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years: Mary Ellen (Trombley) Prairie, two sons: Alexander of Essex; and Nicholas and his partner, Jen Bowe, of West Roxbury, Massachusetts.
Roland was born and raised in Swanton. He attended St. Anne’s Academy and graduated from Bellows Free Academy in 1968.
In June 1968, he joined the Army. He served two terms in Vietnam (1969-1970 and 1971-1972). He received the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in 1972.
He worked for the Department of Corrections for two years before joining the Vermont State Police in 1979. While in the State Police he worked in the arson division, special investigation drug unit, and in the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. While he was with the State Police, he received many awards and commendations, including the Lifesaving Award and Commissioners’ Award. He retired from the state police in December of 1999 after 22 years of distinguished service.
Roland enjoyed practicing his marksmanship and teaching firearms and range safety. He liked to read about history and research different topics. He also enjoyed spending time with family.
He was a member of the American Legion, Elks, Disabled American Veterans, and Derby Fish and Game Club. Roland will be remembered for always having a smile on his face and the love he had for his German shepherds.
Roland is survived by his two brothers: Claude (Janet) Prairie, and Mark (Dale) Prairie; and his sister Dianne Prairie. He was also survived by many in-laws: Diane (Ted) Trombley; Claire (George) Boutah; George (Carolyn) Trombley; John (Jeanette) Trombley; Ramona Trombley; Robin Trombley; Marsha Vincoli; Carolyn (Dennis) Hall; Juanita Manley and her partner, Andy Dufault; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Roland was predeceased by his parents; twin sister Diane; his two other sisters: Lynda and Renee; brothers-in-law: Ted, Danny and Timmy Trombley; and a sister-in-law: Sherrie.
Services will be held on Friday, October 11, at Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport. Calling hours will be from 1 to 2 p.m. A service will follow at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Derby Fish and Game Club: P.O. Box 187, Derby, Vermont 05829 or the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society: 243 Woods Farm Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.
Earl Tice
It is with great sadness that his family announces the death of their beloved father and husband, Earl D. Tice, who died on September 27, 2024. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an exceptional member of his community.
Born on November 22, 1939, in Holland, Earl was one of ten children belonging to George and Ethal Tice of Holland. After school, Earl went on to pursue his passion in dairy farming. He spent over 60 years working in agriculture and was respected for his hard work, dedication, and expertise.
Earl met the love of his life, Penelope Tice, and they were married for 47 wonderful years. They were blessed with two children: Cathy and Allen, whom they loved and adored. Earl was a dedicated family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. He was a man of integrity, always putting his family’s needs above his own.
Earl had a love for reading and the outdoors; if he was not doing one, he would be quietly doing the other. He was known for his dry, subtle humor, his kind heart, and his willingness to help others.
He is survived by his children: Cathy Emery and Allen Tice; his three grandchildren; and many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
The funeral service will be held on October 12, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Mead Hill cemetery in Holland. Earl will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace.